Russia has banned 36 more Kiwis from entering its borders — including mayors, journalists, public figures and defence force leaders — who are accused of “shaping an anti-Russian agenda”.
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement said entry to the country had been “closed in perpetuity” to those on the list in response to “politically-motivated” New Zealand government sanctions against individuals and legal entities.
The updated list of banned New Zealanders includes Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.
It also includes several journalists and producers from Radio New Zealand, Stuff, and the NZ Herald.
“Considering that Wellington does not intend to renounce its anti-Russia policy and continues to approve new sanctions, the work to update the Russian stop list will be continued,” said the foreign ministry in a statement.
The NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was not the first set of “retaliatory” sanctions Russia had issued against Kiwis.
“The inclusion of more New Zealand journalists in this latest list is disappointing, but not surprising, and is in keeping with Russia’s attacks on the freedom of the press,” a spokesperson said.
“Russia’s latest sanctions list includes members of New Zealand’s Defence Force who have been training Ukrainian troops to assist Ukraine in its own legitimate self-defence.
“The sanctions will not deter New Zealand from continuing to support Ukraine to defend itself from Russian aggression.”
In April 2022, 130 people, including former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Governor-General Cindy Kiro and all members of Parliament were barred entry into Russia.
In July 2022, 32 more New Zealanders were added to the list, including then-Auckland mayor Phil Goff, then-Wellington mayor Andy Foster, then-Nelson mayor Rachel Reese, then-Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel and then-Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins, among other elected officials.
In January 2023, a further 31 Kiwis were banned from entering Russia, including then-TVNZ chief executive Simon Power and Clarke Gayford, the husband of former Prime Minister Ardern.
